Explosive-driven electric pulse generator and method of making same

Abstract

An electric pulse generator includes a driver having an outer surface, a receiver, and one or more piezoelectric elements disposed between and in electrical contact with the driver and the receiver. The electric pulse generator further includes an explosive material disposed on the outer surface of the driver. A method of making an electrical pulse generator includes providing one or more piezoelectric elements, a driver, a receiver, and an explosive material and operably associating the explosive material with an outer surface of the driver. The method further includes electrically coupling the one or more piezoelectric elements between the driver and the receiver.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an electric pulse generator and a method for making the electric pulse generator. In particular, the present invention relates to an explosive-driven electric pulse generator and a method for making the explosive-driven electric pulse generator. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] High-voltage, electrical pulses are employed for many different uses. For example, such pulses may be used in defense, flash X-ray, oilfield logging, and oilfield radiography applications. While electrical pulses may be generated in many different ways, one way of producing such pulses is by mechanically impacting or shocking a material that exhibits a piezoelectric effect. Generally, these materials have a crystalline structure of non-centrosymmetric unit cells. When a mechanical stress is applied to such a material, an electrical charge is produced. The voltage of the electrical charge produced by mechanically str...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] The present invention provides significant advantages, including: (1) the ability to apply pressure to the piezoelectric element or elements for a longer period of time, thus increasing the voltage outputted from the piezoelectric element or elements; (2) the ability to apply more consistent pressure to the piezoelectric element or elements, thus decreasing the likelihood of damage to the element or elements; and (3) the ability to tailor the electric pulse waveform depending upon the implementation.

Problems solved by technology

Such conventional electric pulse generators, however, suffer from several problems.

Moreover, the explosive arrangement may produce a large peak pressure during the detonation pressure pulse, resulting in premature breakdown of the piezoelectric material.

Further, typical conventional electric pulse generators comprise a relatively large portion of explosive material.

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